Vietnam proactively participates in shaping ASEAN's future

Deputy British Ambassador to Vietnam Alex Strugnell answers questions from The World & Vietnam Report at the international press conference on the ASEAN Future Forum 2026. (Photo: Thanh Long)

Could the Deputy Ambassador share your expectations for the ASEAN Future Forum (AFF) 2026, especially in the context of the current volatile international situation?

Recent global developments have demonstrated something we have long understood: in an increasingly interconnected world, the security and prosperity of nations are closely linked. ASEAN member states, like many countries around the world, are facing this reality.

In such circumstances, it is essential for ASEAN and its partners, including the United Kingdom, to come together and discuss how to address common challenges.

The ASEAN Future Forum offers an invaluable opportunity to do exactly that. It provides a space for open, frank and forward-looking discussions while encouraging the exploration of bold, innovative and creative solutions to shared regional and global challenges.

The United Kingdom is currently one of ASEAN's important Dialogue Partners. In your opinion, what new cooperation opportunities will AFF this year open up between the UK and ASEAN?

I believe there remains considerable room for the UK and ASEAN to expand cooperation, particularly in areas such as innovation, digital transformation, education and sustainable development.

The year 2026 marks the fifth anniversary of the UK becoming an official ASEAN Dialogue Partner. Over the past five years, trade between the UK and ASEAN has increased by around 20%. We have also fulfilled 99% of the commitments set out in our bilateral Plan of Action.

The UK and ASEAN have worked closely together across a broad range of areas, including economic integration, the green transition, healthcare, education, and initiatives related to women, peace and security.

At present, both sides are discussing a new five-year Plan of Action. Against this backdrop, AFF provides an excellent opportunity for us to listen carefully to ASEAN’s priorities, better understand the region’s needs and development aspirations, and exchange views on ideas that could shape our cooperation in the years ahead.

With the theme "Shaping a Common Future: Peace, Prosperity, People-Centric", AFF 2026 particularly emphasizes the role of the people. How do you assess the potential of ASEAN youth in shaping the region's future, and how can the UK accompany them in this process?

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Young people are the most important stakeholders of the future. They bring fresh ideas and new perspectives, and they will ultimately be the ones implementing the visions and plans discussed at forums such as AFF.

Over the past two years, the UK has supported youth participation in the ASEAN Future Forum, and we are pleased to continue that support this year.

This year, 11 young representatives from ASEAN member states, together with one participant from the UK, will attend the Forum. While last year they worked together on issues related to cybersecurity, this year they are collaborating on an ASEAN-UK Youth Declaration, which is expected to be presented during the Forum.

Vietnam is the initiator of AFF and has successfully organized the previous two Forums. How does this reflect Vietnam's role in ASEAN's strategic issues?

Vietnam’s hosting of the ASEAN Future Forum is a clear demonstration of the country’s active role in helping shape ASEAN’s future and ensuring that the bloc continues to adapt and develop in response to a rapidly changing global environment.

The United Kingdom is delighted to support and participate in this dialogue process.

The first ASEAN Future Forum created a valuable platform for exchanging ideas and contributing to the development of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

Now that the Vision has been adopted, AFF 2026 continues to serve as an important forum for ASEAN member states and partners to discuss how to implement and translate these ambitions into practical outcomes.

Thank you very much, Deputy Ambassador!

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